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Hidden Gems: Meet Paige Calentino of Sober Caliente

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Calentino.

Hi Paige, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a world where binge drinking was the norm — high school parties, college tailgates, bottomless brunches in my early twenties. It was all part of social culture. By the time I hit my mid-twenties, I started to look around and question everything. I was waking up hungover every weekend and stuck in patterns that didn’t align with the version of myself I knew I was capable of becoming.

A painful breakup and a cross-country move shook things up, and the COVID pandemic only amplified my anxiety. I was drinking more than usual — to numb out the emotions of fear and uncertainty. Eventually, I hit a point where I knew something had to change. I gave myself three months alcohol-free, just to see what would happen… and by the end of that time, I realized I didn’t want to go back.

That decision transformed my life. Over the past five years, I’ve experienced growth I never thought possible — physically, mentally, and spiritually. I feel stronger, clearer, and more connected than ever.

That’s what inspired me to start my business, Sober Caliente: to help others who are feeling that same pull toward something more. Today, I offer 1:1 coaching for individuals ready to reimagine their relationship with alcohol and create real, lasting habit change through education, self-reflection, and manifestation. In addition to 1:1 coaching, I run 1-month group challenges for those just dipping their toes into the sober-curious lifestyle. Outside of my coaching business, I host sober dinners in San Diego through The Sober Supper Club, a space for like-minded women to connect on a deeper level and enjoy the best restaurants San Diego has to offer without the pressure or presence of alcohol.

My background in change management consulting gave me a strong foundation in the psychology of behavior, habit formation, and the emotional side of change. Now, I get to bring those tools into this deeply personal and purpose-driven work. I am excited for the future growth of Sober Caliente, building aligned partnerships, and helping more people uncover the magic of alcohol-free living.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. But I wouldn’t trade the bumps for anything, I have learned so much along the way.

One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to trust myself — especially when I chose a path that looks really different from what most people around me were doing. Choosing to stop drinking in a culture that romanticizes alcohol was isolating at times. People didn’t always get it. I lost some friendships, had so many awkward moments when I was dating, and definitely questioned whether I was being “too extreme” or “missing out.”

Then there’s the entrepreneurial side — building a coaching business from the ground up without a blueprint. I’ve had many moments of doubt and imposter syndrome. It’s not easy to walk away from the security of a lucrative 9–5 corporate job and start something from scratch, especially as someone who craves consistency and routine.

But every challenge has continued to push me to grow. I’ve learned to stay grounded in my mission, to prioritize aligning with my values over external validation, and to keep showing up even when things feel uncertain. And the more I own my story, the more I attract the exact people who need to hear it. That’s what keeps me going.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sober Caliente?
My business is rooted in one belief: your life doesn’t end when you stop drinking — it starts. I help sober-curious women in their 20s and 30s reset their relationship with alcohol so they can reconnect with their confidence, mental clarity, and sense of self — without giving up their social life.

My clients come to me because they’re tired of feeling stuck, disconnected, or like they’re living on autopilot. Together, we work to uncover what alcohol has been masking, build new habits and healthy coping mechanisms, and develop the confidence to show up fully — whether that’s dating sober, going out with friends, or learning to trust themselves again.

My methodology isn’t about rules or perfection, it’s about freedom. Through 1:1 sober-curious coaching, sober group challenges, and community experiences like The Sober Supper Club in San Diego, I help women create lives they genuinely love — lives rooted in self-trust, joy, and deeper connection.

What sets my brand apart is how approachable and empowering this work feels. I blend mindset coaching with reflection, experimentation, and a little bit of manifestation to spark real, lasting transformation.

I’m most proud of the women who’ve come through my programs and said things like: “I feel like myself again,” or “I didn’t know it could feel this good to wake up clear-headed on a Sunday.” That’s what this is about. Not just quitting drinking — but becoming who you were always meant to be.

What makes you happy?
Helping people wake up to their full potential. That moment when things finally start to click for a client — when they realize they can go out and have fun without alcohol, or when they feel truly proud of themselves for choosing to show up differently — that lights me up every time.

I’m happiest when I’m creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Whether it’s through coaching, group challenges, or hosting sober dinners, I love being part of those quiet but powerful mindset shifts. There’s something so special about watching someone reconnect with themselves — finally stepping out of autopilot and choosing what actually feels good, instead of just doing what everyone else is doing. That kind of transformation moves me at a soul level.

But my happiness also lives in the small, bright spots of my everyday life — walking my two dogs through my neighborhood of Leucadia, grabbing an almond milk latte from a local café, spending slow mornings with my partner, or relaxing at the beach. Living a life that feels peaceful, playful, and aligned — that’s a dream I used to only imagine, and now I feel so grateful to be living it.

Pricing:

  • 1:1 Sober-Curious Coaching – $1,447 for a 3-month container. This private coaching experience is for those ready to radically change their relationship with alcohol and unlock a deeper sense of clarity, confidence, and self-trust. Clients walk away feeling more grounded in who they are, with stronger boundaries, healthier habits, and a more authentic connection to their lives. You’ll receive weekly 1:1 virtual sessions, personalized tools and prompts, and ongoing support between sessions — all tailored to your specific goals, challenges, and desires.
  • Sober Group Challenges – $97 per round. This is a 1-month kickstart for anyone curious about taking a break from alcohol without pressure or labels. It’s designed to help you reset your habits, reconnect with your “why,” and build momentum toward lasting change — all within a supportive and inspiring group. Includes weekly video lessons, daily mindset check-ins, reflection exercises, and live group coaching calls to keep you motivated and connected.
  • You can book a free discovery call to explore which option is the best fit — no strings attached, just a real convo about where you’re at and what type of support you need.
  • Learn more or schedule your free call at paigecalentino.com.

Contact Info:

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